How to Develop a Strong Core Group for Building a Sustainable and Missional Church?

B.L.E.S.S.: Cultivating a Missional and Sustainable Church Community with Five Everyday Practices by Dave Ferguson and Jon Ferguson.

Training the core group is the foundation of any church planting effort. Planting churches is not merely about gathering people for worship; it involves forming a missionary community that multiplies disciples and becomes self-sustainable. As Lidório (2007, p. 87) asserts, the absence of proper training leads to weak churches unable to sustain themselves spiritually and missionally.

This article provides a comprehensive exploration of how to train a core group effectively, ensuring the development of a robust church that remains faithful to its biblical mission and the Adventist identity.

1. The Critical Role of Training

1.1 Why Is Training Essential?

Training is not optional; it is the backbone of any successful church planting project. Jesus, in the New Testament, spent three years discipling and training a small group of individuals who became the driving force behind the exponential growth of the early church (Acts 2:42–47; Matthew 28:18–20). Without a well-trained core group, churches risk becoming dependent on a single leader rather than functioning as a disciple- making community (Guder, 1998, p. 115).

1.2 The Consequences of Neglecting Training

Neglecting training results in:

1. Weak Churches: Without trained leaders, churches are vulnerable to internal and external crises.

2. Pastoral Dependency: Members rely on pastors for every function, avoiding personal responsibility (White, 2002, p. 44).

3. Event-Driven Focus: Churches focus on programs instead of community transformation.

4. Lack of Multiplication: Without discipleship, there is no leadership reproduction or new church planting (White, 2006b, p. 19).

2. Structuring the Training

2.1 Training Phases

Core group training unfolds in three main phases:

1. Initial Preparation: Weekly formation meetings to establish vision and values.

2. Community Connection: Social activities to foster relationships and group cohesion.

3. Missional Engagement: Practical involvement in the community to apply teachings and create tangible impacts (Stetzer, 2015, p. 42).

3. Formation Meetings

Weekly formation meetings are crucial for imparting vision and preparing the core group. Each meeting should include:

3.1 Biblical and Theological Foundations

Objective: Teach the biblical and theological basis for the church’s mission.

Key Texts:

• Matthew 28:18–20: The call to make disciples.

• Acts 1:8: Empowerment by the Holy Spirit for witnessing.

• Revelation 14:6–12: The Adventist mission in a global context.

Core group members must understand their mission as outlined in the three angels’ messages. Ellen White stated, “The everlasting gospel is to be proclaimed to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” (White, 2006b, p. 123).

3.2 Leadership Development

Core group members must be equipped to lead ministries and disciple others. Tools such as APEST (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, Teacher) are effective for identifying spiritual gifts and assigning roles (Frost, 2016, p. 103). White highlighted that “leaders must not only teach but train members to carry forward the mission” (White, 1911, p. 140).

3.3 Strategic Planning

The group works on strategic planning during meetings:

• Community Analysis: Identify local challenges and opportunities (Hirsch, 2015, p. 88).

• Project Timeline: Develop milestones for planting and discipleship.

• Ministry Framework: Define areas like evangelism, worship, and community service.

3.4 Reflection and Prayer

Each meeting should dedicate time to spiritual reflection and prayer. Ellen G. White emphasized, “Prayer is the means by which we connect with divine power” (White, 2002, p. 190). Encourage members to intercede regularly for the mission and one another.

4. Social Connection

Strong relationships are the backbone of a cohesive core group. Organize regular social gatherings, such as:

1. Shared Meals: Potluck-style gatherings to foster fellowship.

2. Recreational Activities: Group outings, sports, or shared hobbies.

3. Informal Visits: Home gatherings to build personal connections (Cloud & Townsend, 2001, p. 98).

Such events promote unity and cultivate a culture of hospitality vital for the church’s mission.

5. Missional Engagement

Training must include practices that integrate the group with the local community.

5.1 Community Activities

• Social Services: Engage in projects such as neighborhood cleanups, food distribution, and assistance to those in need.

• Public Events: Host health fairs, workshops, or other community-centered initiatives.

5.2 Missional Practices: The BLESS Framework

The BLESS framework (Bless, Eat, Listen, Reflect, Diary) provides practical steps for living out the gospel (Ferguson, 2021). Each core group member is encouraged to:

1. Bless: Perform acts of kindness weekly.

2. Eat: Share meals with at least two people, including one non-church member.

3. Listen: Practice empathetic listening and prayerfully discern community needs.

4. Reflect: Meditate on Scripture daily.

5. Diary: Document God’s guidance in a personal missional journal (Guder, 1998, p. 127).

These habits foster a culture of discipleship and service, aligning with Christ’s method:

"He mingled with men as one who desired their good" (White, 2004a, p. 143).

6. Accountability and Evaluation

Accountability ensures that the core group remains aligned with its objectives. Key practices include:

1. Sharing Testimonies: Members discuss their weekly missional experiences.

2. Problem-Solving Discussions: Address challenges collaboratively.

3. Encouragement: Reinforce the vision and celebrate progress.

7. Expected Outcomes

After completing the training, the core group should be prepared to:

1. Lead Ministries: Take ownership of key church functions.

2. Multiply Disciples: Guide others in their spiritual journeys.

3. Transform Communities: Create meaningful social and spiritual impacts.

4. Sustain Mission: Maintain a healthy, mission-focused church (Stetzer, 2015, p. 79).

Conclusion

Training the core group is indispensable for successful church planting. Through formation meetings, social connection, and missional engagement, members are equipped to lead, disciple, and multiply.

As Ellen G. White reminds us, “Only the method of Christ will bring true success in reaching the people” (White, 2004a, p. 143). By following this method, planters can establish strong, mission-driven churches with a clear Adventist identity.

References

1. Cloud, H., & Townsend, J. Boundaries for Leaders. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013.

2. Ferguson, Dave, and John Ferguson. BLESS: 5 Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World. Salem Books, 2021.

3. Frost, M. Surprise the World. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2016.

4. Guder, D. L. Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1998.

5. Hirsch, A. 5Q: Reactivating the Original Intelligence and Capacity of the Body of Christ. Columbia, MA: 100Movements, 2015.

6. Lidório, R. Planting Churches. Viçosa: Ultimato, 2007.

7. Stetzer, E. Planting Missional Churches. Nashville: B&H Academic, 2015.

8. White, E. G. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 2. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2002.

9. White, E. G. The Ministry of Healing. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2004a.

10. White, E. G. Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2006b.

11. White, E. G. The Acts of the Apostles. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1911.